They're explicitly modified for research purposes. They chose Ooceraea biroi because it was one of the few species with which the experiments would be possible. It is my understanding that these experiments are meant to eventually decipher their chemical language.

If you enjoy my expertise and identifications, please do not put wild populations at risk of disease by releasing pet colonies. We are responsible to give our pets the best care we can manage for the rest of their lives.

They're explicitly modified for research purposes. They chose Ooceraea biroi because it was one of the few species with which the experiments would be possible. It is my understanding that these experiments are meant to eventually decipher their chemical language.

I am all for genetically modified organisms in research, and in real life too. GMO ants sound interesting. [*Antman to the rescue!*]
I am just speculating, I don't think that would work for pest control because all the ants with the knocked out gene would not be social and would die out on their own by being selected against by nature for the homozygous knocked out gene and the heterozygous would have the wild type odor receptors.